South African technology entrepreneur and venture capitalist Llew Claasen has been named as executive director of the Bitcoin Foundation, effective 1 July.
Claasen, who is based in Cape Town, is managing partner of Newtown Partners.
He replaces Bruce Fenton at the helm of the foundation, whose stated aim is to foster education, engage in advocacy increase adoption and encourage development of bitcoin and blockchain technology worldwide.
Last month, Fenton informed the foundation’s board of a desire to step down, although he will remain as a board member.
Claasen is a close friend of fellow foundation board member Vinny Lingham, the South African now heading up identity protection start-up Civic. Lingham recused himself from the election of a new executive director for the foundation. The remainder of the board voted unanimously to approve Claasen’s appointment.
“Llew’s project management skills, geographic location and emerging markets experience are all huge advantages and we are all very happy that he has accepted this position,” said foundation chairman Brock Pierce in a statement.
The Bitcoin Foundation is a 501c6 (not-for-profit) organisation. It’s the oldest and largest industry group focused on Bitcoin and has a variety of corporate members, individuals and international chapters.
Board members are Claasen, Lingham, Pierce (of Blockchain Capital), Bobby Lee (BTCC; vice chairman), Elizabeth McCauley (Coinsecure), Michael Perklin (C4) and Francis Pouliot (Satoshi Portal). — (c) 2016 NewsCentral Media
